One Year Old!

Today Nathan turns ONE! A year has passed so quickly! Nathan has always been such a happy baby. Now at one year old Nathan loves to give hugs and kisses. He is already practicing to be 2, by knowing how to stomp his feet when things don't go his way. He is intrigued by Thomas' every move and loves to mimic him. He is a climber and learning to bite.... yikes! He's all finished with baby food and loves to eat hot dogs, chicken nuggets, green beans, carrots, black beans & rice, grilled cheese and fruit! He has slept through the night since he was 14 weeks old and he still takes daily naps. He learned to walk at 9 1/2 months old which has made life more interesting! Baby gates have become a permanent piece of furniture in our house. Nathan has his favorite lovey....his puppy. He uses it at bedtime along with sucking his thumb. At his one year checkup today he weighs in at a healthy 22 pounds and almost 31 inches tall. I am continuously amazed by how someone so small can bring so much joy to one house. So, happy birthday sweet, Nathan. We are excited to see what the year brings for you and our family. xoxo

Nathan's First Birthday!

We celebrated Nathan's first birthday on Sunday surrounded by our friends and family. Our monkey theme party was a lot of fun and I have to admit, it was fun to plan, too! Nathan chased all the kids around the house and wanted to see what everyone was getting into. I was glad that everyone enjoyed our lunch and yummy monkey shaped cake. Rather than purchase little party favors for the younger kids, we made stuffed animal monkeys like when you visit "Build-a-Bear Workshop". Each child stuffed their monkey will polyfill and then added a small foam heart inside. Afterwards, they took home a birth certificate for their new friend. I had fun watching the kids and their moms make them and I think it was a special way for them to always remember Nathan's first birthday. Nathan wasn't shy about trying his first piece of cake. I think he's a HUGE fan of buttercream frosting! Here are some highlights:

Summer Has Begun!

With only being out of school for merely hours we started our summer vacation! I have to admit that the past year brought on a complete new set of challenges for me and I am so thankful that I survived! Now that school has finished it is time to watch my babies have fun! We started by having some splashing fun in the backyard. Thomas got a Toy Story slip & slide, a super soaker and water balloons as graduation gifts. He had sooooo much fun throwing water balloons at Ken and I. For Nathan's birthday, Ken and I bought him a little crab shaped inflatable pool. He wasn't too sure of it but he had lots of fun at the water table. It was so nice to relax and enjoy the day without the numerous daily worries that I deal with. I have a feeling our summer is off to a great start!

Thomas is a Graduate!

Thomas graduated from preschool! The ceremony was held at Oviedo Presbyterian Church. The staff had created a slide show of the year and it was fun to see Thomas in several of the photos. The children walked into the room wearing their special cap and gown while the graduation pomp and circumstance music was playing. The children sang many songs. Each child was then called by name to accept their diploma. Afterwards we gathered outside for a small reception. We were so happy that many of our friends and family came for this special milestone for Thomas. We all went back to our house for some cake, ice cream and gifts. It's almost seems impossible that enough time has passed for my baby to be entering Kindergarten. I am sure I will say the same thing in the year 2023 when he graduates from high school.

Last Day of Preschool

Today was the last day of school for Thomas. I can't believe how much he has grown this year. He's truly growing up. I have to admit that I started to cry when I was helping put his shoes on this morning. He asked me why I was crying and I told him it was because it would be the last time I helped with his shoes while he's in preschool. I know it sounds silly, but it's hard to believe how fast time has passed this year. Here's a photo from our last day at school. I also included a photo from our first day of school, back in August. Not only has Thomas grown like a weed, but Nathan's growth has been fun to watch as well.

First Lawn Mower Ride

When Ken decided to go outside to cut the grass this weekend, Nathan started looking out the window to find him. I brought Nathan outside and let him have his first lawn mower ride. Of course he loved it! I think Ken has another eager yard helper. Well...at least for now.

My Heart Attack!

Nathan is officially a climber! He first learned to pull the chairs out from the playroom table, scoot onto them with his belly and pull up to a stand. Well, since that move was perfected, he has moved onto using the chair to climb onto the table. He then proceeds to stand on top of the table and jump up and down. Talk about a heart attack! (Please note that Ken was sitting next to the table while I took these photos.)